A Message from Shelley Hubal, Federation Director

From the Desk of the Federation Executive Director: With Gratitude 5/30/23

By Shelley Hubal

One of the challenges of living in a small Jewish community is having adequate resources. Our few “big donors” are called on frequently to support a plethora of institutions and initiatives. 
However, small-town living has many advantages. There is comfort in knowing y…

From the Desk of the Federation Executive Director: With Gratitude 5/19/23

By Shelley Hubal

On a Sunday afternoon several weeks ago, approximately 20 members of our Jewish community gathered in the Temple Israel social hall for a training. Our panel of three trainers, all women, came from New Jersey, Colorado and Massachusetts. The Chevra Kadisha, which literally…

From the Desk of the Federation Executive Director: With Gratitude 4/21/23

By Shelley Hubal

What brings people together? Here is a short list: food, laughter, prayer, music, beauty and love for children.

Next week marks Israel’s 75th birthday and, like many Jewish communities, we are planning a celebration here in Broome County. I must admit that I have a degr…

From the Desk of the Federation Executive Director: With Gratitude 3/24/23

By Shelley Hubal

It’s called “My Unsung Hero.” NPR describes these mini-podcasts as “Stories of people whose kindness left a lasting impression.” I like to listen to one or two episodes in the morning while I exercise. Each story is a reminder that every individual and every act …

From the Desk of the Federation Executive Director: With Gratitude 1/27/23

By Shelley Hubal

Grandma Hannah had a ceramic studio in her basement on Wedgewood Terrace. For years, she taught lessons several nights a week. I remember her students, mostly women, sitting around large tables in the dusty basement. They would schmooze and smoke cigarettes while scrubbing…